Queensland to launch casino charm offensive

In Australia, the eastern state of Queensland is reportedly set to begin sending teams of government officials to Las Vegas and Macau from next week in an attempt to get some of the world’s most prominent casino operators to invest in developments being planned for the communities of Cairns and Gold Coast.

According to a report from local television broadcaster Nine Network, the representatives are to be led by Queensland Tourism Minister Kate Jones (pictured) and will meet with casino heavyweights such as Las Vegas-headquartered Caesars Entertainment Corporation and MGM Resorts International.

“Our strategy is all based around attracting more visitors who stay longer and spend more in Queensland to create jobs for locals,” Jones reportedly told the broadcaster.

The Star Entertainment Group Limited currently holds a monopoly on casino gambling in the state of around five million people via its Treasury Brisbane and The Star Gold Coast properties while March saw the Sydney-based firm break ground on its $2.3 billion Queen’s Wharf Brisbane development, which it hopes to inaugurate by the end of 2022.

The broadcaster reported that Jones’ ultimate goal is to attract investment in Queensland’s envisioned pair of integrated casino resorts featuring hotels, casinos and restaurants along with retail and entertainment options. But, her efforts have purportedly raised questions among opposition politicians surrounding the efficacy of taxpayer-funded trips despite assertions that she is to be paying for her own accommodation while in Las Vegas.

“I have been approached by some of the world’s most successful entertainment companies keen to invest in Queensland but we’re working to make sure we get the balance right for Queenslanders,” Jones reportedly told Nine Network.

Queensland to launch casino charm offensive was last modified: May 23rd, 2018 by Adam Morgan